About Dorset, England, Crew Lists, 1863-1914

This database contains various crew lists for ships associated with Dorset ports.

Historical Background

Crew lists and agreements for British-registered merchant ships had their beginnings in 1835 with the Merchant Shipping Act. Crew lists were required twice a year from ships involved in “home trade,” meaning the vessels operated in British waters. Agreements were created for foreign-going vessels for each voyage. Log books were not required until 1850 and became more common in the 20th century.

What You May Find in the Records

This database contains all three record types—lists, agreements, and log books—each of which lists details about crew members and their service onboard. Port information can be searched through the Lived In field. Typically, the records will include the following information:

name

age

birthplace

birth year

nationality

date signed on and off the ship

ship name, port, registry date, master’s name

Records may also include details about a sailor’s duties, disciplinary action, or ship served on prior to the present vessel. Some forms also distinguish apprentices on board or provide details on individuals who died during the voyage. The year range of these records includes the Boer War.

Help preserve historical records for generations to come. Join the Ancestry World Archives Project, a collaborative effort involving thousands of people around the world keying digital records to make them free for everyone. Anyone can join, and you decide how much time you’ll contribute - as little as 15 minutes helps. Learn more.